Diagnosis (genus). Moderately large in size, maximum SVL 61 mm (maruia) and 64 mm (tillieri), with a moderately elongate body, well developed limbs and digits, and very long tail* (maximum tail length range c. 250–300% of SVL respectively).

Comment

In appearance it most closely resembles species of the endemic New Caledonian genus Tropidoscincus Bocage, 1873 but lacks the key diagnostic features for inclusion in that or any other monophyletic New Caledonian genus.

From the Greek Phasma, a spectre, in the sense of the insect genus Phasma Lichtenstein, type genus for the family Phasmatidae, and for the order Phasmatodea in general, alluding to the phasmid-like appearance and behaviour of species in the group. Gender of the generic name based on the Greek sauros (masculine).